Moving On: Idaho Transition Binder 2013

3 Employment and Career

This section has information about getting a job and the things you need to

prepare and practice to be a person an employer may want to hire.

Examples of information to keep in this section might include:

Resume

Sample Cover Letter

Letters of Recommendation

List of References

Information about high school work experience

Certifications (CPR, First Aid, etc.)

Completed Interest Inventories (ECIS portfolio)

Master Job Application/Job Information Sheet

Practice Interview Questions with Your Answers

Idaho Career Information System (CIS) Information

ADA rights related to career

Ten Steps to Planning Your Career:

1. Develop a career plan. Think about what you want to do and find out more about the

kind of training, education, and skills you will need to achieve your career goal.

2. Assess your skills and interests. Think hard about what you enjoy, what you are good at,

what kind of personality you are, and the values you hold.

3. Research occupations. Find out more about the nature of the jobs that interest you,

such as educational requirements, salary, working conditions, future outlook, and anything

else that can help you narrow your focus.

4. Compare your skills and interests with the occupations you've selected. The career that

matches your skills, interests, and personality the closest may be the career for you.

5. Choose your career goal. Once you've decided what occupation matches up best with

you, then you can begin developing a plan to reach your career goal.

6. Select a school that offers a college degree or training program that best meets your

career goal and financial needs.

7. Find out about financial aid to help support you in obtaining your career goal. If you

haven't already done so, begin saving for college.

8. Learn about job hunting tips as you prepare to graduate or move into the job market.

9. Prepare your resume, and practice job interviewing techniques.

10. Go to your career guidance center (at your middle school, high school, or college) or

local library for additional information and help on career planning, or check out our other

internet resources*.

*From CareerShip website – an online career exploration adventure – go to

http://mappingyourfuture.org/planyourcareer/careership/ From the website: “Welcome to the guided tour of Planning a Career. On this tour, you can find out how to choose a career and how to reach your career goal. You can also pick up useful tips on job hunting, resume writing, and job interviewing techniques.”

Getting Started with a Personal Inventory If you don’t know what kind of job you want then ask yourself what you do well and

enjoy doing. Next make a list of those things you do well and enjoy doing. Add to this list your skills, training, talents, and experiences. When completed, this personal inventory should include not only education, training, and job experience, but also any hobbies, sports, or charitable activities you engage in that display talent or initiative.

Using a categorized list or Personal Inventory Form will allow you to better organize your list and highlight your interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Your personal inventory will be used to build your resume. The purpose of the resume is to convince the employer that you have the skills and abilities to successfully fulfill the job requirements. PERSONAL INVENTORY FORM

Full Name (First) (Middle) (Last):

Present Address:

Birth Date:

Telephone:

E-mail:

Work Experience (Start with your most recent job)

1. Job title:

Describe what you did on this job:

What did you like about this job?

What did you dislike about this job?

Accomplishments/awards/honors:

2. Job title:

Describe what you did on this job:

What did you like about this job?

What did you dislike about this job?

Accomplishments/awards/honors:

Education and Training

High School:

In what subjects did you do best?

What subjects did you like most?

What subjects did you like least?

Clubs/organizations (list offices held):

Honors/awards/accomplishments:

College/Universities:

Name, degree, and year completed or number of years/semesters completed:

In what subjects did you do best?

What subjects did you like most?

What subjects did you like least?

Clubs/organizations (list offices held):

Honors/awards/accomplishments:

Additional Information

Hobbies/Interests:

From JAN - Job Accommodation Network http://www.jan.wvu.edu/

Resume Worksheet Make the information on this worksheet thorough and complete. Save it as a lasting resource; update it as the years pass. Use the information as a “menu” you can use to create a unique resume for each job you seek. Name: ______________________________________ Date updated:______________ I. Personal Information

Address: ___________________________________________________________

City: __________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ____________

Phone: (______) __________________ E-Mail: ____________________________

Temporary Address (if different): _________________________________________

City: ___________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ___________

Phone: (______) ______________ E-Mail: ________________________________

II. Education

Elementary School: ___________________________________________________

Location: ____________________________________________ State: _________

Overall GPA: __________

High School: __________________________________________________

Location: _________________________________________ State: ____________

Year graduated or number of years completed: _____________ GPA: __________

College or University: _________________________________________________

Location: ___________________________________________ State: __________

Degree: ___________________________________________________________

Major(s): ___________________________ Minor(s): ________________________

Date obtained: _______________ Major GPA: ________ Overall GPA: __________

Other schools attended (except high school), training or certifications received, licenses

obtained:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

III. Experience Information (consider all experience—paid, unpaid, volunteer, etc.) (you should repeat this section for any of the experiences you have had) Position title: ____________________________________________________________

Organization name: _______________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________________________ State: ________________

Dates employed (months & years only) From: ________________ To: ______________

Name of supervisor(s): ____________________________________________________

Duties and responsibilities: _________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Quality attributes you found important and used successfully in this position.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Specific performance accomplishments or contributions you made to this job:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Combine the duties, qualities and accomplishments together and write a strong job description.

IV. Talents and Skills

Write here your special talents, skills, training, languages (artistic, computer skills, special

licenses, significant achievements), etc:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

V. Activities

1. Memberships in clubs or community groups, volunteer & religious organizations.

Include name of the association, offices held and the dates. Add any significant activities

attributed to your leadership:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

2. Awards and Honors (academic, athletic, social, civic. Any scholarship not based on

financial need):

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

3. Creative professional activities (articles written, inventions, projects presented

or displayed):

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

VI. Personal References

List references on a separate page, not on your resume. Avoid using family and relatives. Generally, three or four professional or academic references and one personal reference will be sufficient. Be sure to get permission from any reference before using their name! Send each a thank you note for volunteering to help you, and keep them informed on your job search progress. 1. Name: _________________________________ Phone: (_____) ________________

Address: _______________________________ City: _______________ State: ____

Position: ____________________________________________________________

2. Name: _________________________________ Phone: (_____) ________________

Address: _______________________________ City: _______________ State: ____

Position: _____________________________________________________________

3. Name: _________________________________ Phone: (_____) ________________

Address: _______________________________ City: _______________ State: ____

Position: _____________________________________________________________

4. Name: _________________________________ Phone: (_____) ________________

Address: _______________________________ City: _______________ State: ____

Position: _____________________________________________________________

1. Make a copy of this blank worksheet before you fill it out.

2. Put your completed worksheet in your binder and keep it for future use.

3. Use the information here to start to build your resume.

4. Update your resume worksheet annually. Go through the past year and consider your experiences and accomplishments, recording them while they are fresh in your mind.

Job Interview Checklist

Preparation. Two or three days before the interview

___ I have collected information about the business.

___ I know the first and last name of the person(s) who will be interviewing me.

___ I know why I want to work for the business.

___ I have read through some common interview questions.

___ I have prepared some answers to common interview questions. I know how I am going

to answer these questions and/or I have created a cheat sheet.

___ I have prepared a list of questions that I would like to ask the interviewer.

___ I have an up-to-date resume with complete references ready to take to the interview.

___ I know exactly where the interview will take place and how long it will take me to get

there.

___ I have decided what to wear to the interview.

___ I have scheduled a full night’s sleep before the interview.

The Day of the Interview, Did You Remember to Bring…

___ I have a copy of my resume, references, letters of recommendation.

___ I have paper and pen for notes.

___ I have my pad that contains the company research I have done and/or my list of

questions.

___ I have paid special attention to personal hygiene and my choice of clothing.

The Interview — Travel time and Arrival

___ I am leaving early in case of traffic jams or unforeseen problems. I do not arrive more

than 10 minutes early.

___ I am relaxed, friendly, and business-like with everyone I meet.

___ I introduce myself to the receptionist and confirm my appointment.

The Interview — Setting the Scene

___ I greet the interviewer by name and shake his or her hand.

___ I maintain positive body language, e.g., I maintain eye contact, keep my hands in my

lap, and sit up straight.

The Interview — Exchanging Information

___ I stay on topic and ask for clarification where necessary and when appropriate.

___ I use specific examples rather than general statements when giving information about

my education, training, transferable skills, and work experience.

The Interview — Conclusion

___ I ask any suitable questions that have not already been answered.

___ I summarize, with enthusiasm, my interest in the position and the business.

___ I state my appreciation for the interview.

___ I confirm, if already noted, their response date. If this date is not definite,

I make arrangements to contact them.

___ I shake hands if appropriate and say goodbye.

The Interview — Follow-up

___ I stay home the day they said they would call.

___ If I have arranged to call them back on a certain date, I make sure that I have

reviewed my telephone protocol.

___ I write and send the interviewer(s) a thank you letter.

___ If I am offered a position, I give them a written answer (whether to accept or to

decline) within the week.

From JAN - Job Accommodation Network http://www.jan.wvu.edu/

Interviewing Tips

DO Take identification (driver's license, state ID card, Social Security card, or passport)

and extra resumes.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Smile.

Greet everyone in a polite and friendly manner.

Shake hands firmly.

Try to relax.

Be polite and friendly.

Show enthusiasm for the opportunity to work.

Speak clearly and distinctly.

Allow the employer to finish what he or she is saying without interruption.

Listen carefully.

Maintain eye contact.

Tell the interviewer that you are willing to work hard.

Use the interviewer's name in the conversation.

At the end of the interview, ask when you might hear about a decision.

Thank the interviewer for his/her time.

Send a thank you letter expressing your interest in the job and the company.

DON’T Chew gum or use tobacco before or during the interview.

Slouch.

Fidget.

Be late.

Be rude or present a negative attitude.

Mumble.

Stare off into space.

Forget the name of the interviewer.

Go to the interview without doing research about the company.

From JAN - Job Accommodation Network http://www.jan.wvu.edu/

Ten Common Interview Questions

1. What experience have you had?

2. Why did you apply for this position?

3. What do you plan to be doing five years from now?

4. Tell me something about yourself.

5. What is your greatest strength?

6. What is your greatest weakness?

7. Why should I hire you?

8. What amount of pay do you require?

9. What days and hours can you work?

10. What will your references or former employers say about you?

Soft Skills: The Competitive Edge What do employers look for in new employees? It may not be what some young job seekers expect. While the three "R's" (reading, writing, and arithmetic) are still fundamental to every employee's ability to do the job, employers view "soft" skills as even more important to work readiness. Younger workers often lack these skills, which include:

Professionalism or work ethic

Oral and written communication

Teamwork and collaboration skills

Critical thinking or problem-solving skills

Companies have identified the following competencies as key to the success of

young workers in the workplace.

Professionalism

Make sure your resume is "dressed to impress." Having an organized resume is

essential to making a positive first impression. A good tip is to have a college

professor or a career counselor read your resume before you submit it to a potential

employer.

Once you have been called for an interview, it is important to research the company

and find out more about your potential job responsibilities. This will help you ask

better questions during your interview, and make sure you are well-informed if they

offer you a job.

Business etiquette and work ethic go hand in hand for employers. Some tips when

it comes to making a good impression once employed include:

Dressing properly for the work setting

Arriving on time and staying productive until you leave

Turning cell phone ringers off while at work and returning phone calls and text

messages while on breaks or after work hours

Using computers, if you have access to them, only for work-related tasks

Speaking in a respectful manner with supervisors, peers, and customers or

clients

Also remember that even when you are technically "off-duty" in the lunchroom or at

a reception, you are representing the organization and are expected to act

professionally. Don't contribute to office gossip or banter around too much with

your co-workers. Although you are allowed to have fun and enjoy your job, you are

still there to work.

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is also essential to success. When interviewing, you are likely to stand

out in an employer's mind if you show excitement about the job. Prior to the

interview learn about the business. Think of questions you might want them to

answer, because asking questions is one way to show interest. Other strategies

include arriving a few minutes early to the interview, dressing professionally, and

staying engaged in the conversation.

Once you have the job, keep showing your enthusiasm by taking initiative and

seeking new and more challenging work. In some work settings, this may mean

doing things that need to be done before being asked.

Communication Skills

Communicating ideas in the workplace is different than in a school setting. In a

classroom, the instructor usually leads group discussions or assigns written

homework, and students respond or ask questions when directed to do so. In the

workplace, sometimes your supervisors may ask you for your opinion or ask you to

put your opinion in writing. More often than not, however, they assume that if they

need to know something, you will bring it to their attention. The challenge of

communicating in the workplace is learning how and when to share your ideas or

concerns.

If you need to tell your supervisor about something that is not going well, it is

important to remember that both timing and your attitude are extremely important. It

is best to wait to talk to your supervisor about a problem when you and your boss

have time to focus on your discussion and not during a “rush” time at work. Another

proactive strategy would be to talk to your supervisor or another senior employee

about how you could do your job more efficiently.

Listening is also an important communication skill. One way to improve your

listening comprehension skills is to ask questions. Other tactics include restating

what you thought you heard to confirm you understood correctly, and taking notes.

Teamwork

Successful businesses rely on team players. This skill is so important that many

employers include teamwork as part of the job performance review process if

working with others is essential to the job. In the workplace, knowing how and

when to lead and follow takes practice, as does knowing how to avoid unnecessary

conflict. Working on a team also allows you to build closer relationships with your

co-workers, which can make any job more fun and interesting. When working on a

team, make sure that the workload is shared and that everyone is communicating.

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Problem solving and critical thinking is the ability to use knowledge, facts, and data

to effectively solve workplace problems. Employers are usually appreciative when

new employees are able to offer insight and fresh perspective into better and more

efficient ways of doing things. When you are tasked with solving a problem, you

don't always need to answer immediately. The ability to develop a well thought out

solution within a reasonable time frame is a skill an employer will value greatly.

Reference Are They Really Ready to Work? Employers' Perspectives on the

Basic Knowledge and Applied Skills of New Entrants to the 21st Century U.S.

Workforce (2006). From an in-depth survey of 461 business leaders conducted by

the Conference Board, Corporate Voices for Working Families, the Partnership for

21st Century Skills, and the Society for Human Resource Management.

Idaho Department of Labor - American Job Centers

The Idaho Department of Labor is the primary point of access to a full range of labor

market and education services. Services of more than 17 programs have been brought

together in its 25 local offices (job centers) throughout the state to meet the needs of

workers, students and businesses. Each center offers a variety of self-service options, a

comprehensive resource area and highly trained staff knowledgeable about the many

programs and services available.

For those seeking employment or education, the Department of Labor provides one-stop

access to national, state and local job listings; career guidance and specialized workshops

designed to help individuals seeking employment or changing careers; and education and

training services as well as resources in the community that can assist in achieving

employment goals. Businesses can obtain qualified workers, gain vital labor market

information for making good business decisions, and learn about options for increasing the

skills of current workers. Visit their website at www.labor.idaho.gov

Northern Idaho Offices ___________________________________________________

Bonners Ferry: 6541 Main Street Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 Phone: 208-267-5581 Fax: 208-267-3797 Email: bonnersferrymail@labor.idaho.gov Grangeville: 305 N. State Street Grangeville, ID 83530-0550 Phone: 208-983-0440 Fax: 208-983-0302 Email: grangevillemail@labor.idaho.gov Moscow: 1350 Troy Road, Suite 1 Moscow, ID 83843-3995 Phone: 208-882-7571 Fax: 208-882-8324 Email: moscowmail@labor.idaho.gov Kootenai County: 600 N. Thornton St. Post Falls, ID 83854 Phone: 208-457-8789 Fax: 208-773-5773 Email: kootenaicoutymail@labor.idaho.gov

Lewiston: 1158 Idaho St. Lewiston, ID 83501-1960 Phone: 208-799-5000 Fax: 208-799-5007 Email: lewistonmail@labor.idaho.gov Orofino: 410 Johnson Ave. P.O. Box 391 Orofino, ID 83544-0391 Phone: 208-476-5506 Fax: 208-476-3471 Email: orofinomail@labor.idaho.gov Sandpoint: 2101 W. Pine St. Sandpoint, ID 83864-9327 Phone: 208-263-7544 Fax: 208-265-0193 Email: sandpointmail@labor.idaho.gov Silver Valley: 35 Wildcat Way, Suite A Kellogg, ID 83837-2253 Phone: 208-783-1202 Fax: 208-783-5561 Email: silvervalleymail@labor.idaho.gov

St. Maries: 105 N. 8th Street St. Maries, ID 83861-1845 Phone: 208-245-2518 Fax: 208-245-2012 Email: stmariesmail@labor.idaho.gov

Southwestern Idaho Offices ______________________________________________

Boise: 219 W. Main St. Boise, ID 83735-0030 Phone: 208-332-3575 Fax: 208-334-6222 Email: boisemail@labor.idaho.gov Emmett: 2030 S. Washington St. Emmett, ID 83617-9450 Phone: 208-364-7780 Fax: 208-365-6599 Email: emmettmail@labor.idaho.gov Meridian: 1090 E. Watertower Lane, Suite 100 Meridian, ID 83642 Phone: 208-364-7785 Fax: 208-895-8441 Email: meridianmail@labor.idaho.gov Payette: 501 N. 16th St. Suite 107 Payette, ID 83661-0179 Phone: 208-642-9361 Fax: 208-642-7150 Email: payettemail@labor.idaho.gov

Canyon County: 4514 Thomas Jefferson Street Caldwell, ID 83605 Phone: 208-364-7781 Fax: 208-454-7720 Email: canyoncountymail@labor.idaho.gov McCall: 299 S. 3rd Street P.O. Box 966 McCall, ID 83638-0966 Phone: 208-634-7102 Fax: 208-634-2965 Email: mccallmail@labor.idaho.gov Mountain Home: 1150 American Legion Blvd. Mountain Home, ID 83647 Phone: 208-364-7788 Fax: 208-587-2964 Email: mountainhomemail@labor.idaho.gov

Central and Eastern Idaho Offices ________________________________________

Blackfoot: 155 N. Maple P.O. Box 9 Blackfoot, ID 83221-0009 Phone: 208-236-6713 Fax: 208-785-5036 Email: blackfootmail@labor.idahogov

Wood River: 733 N. Main St. Suite C Bellevue, ID 83313 Phone: 208-788-3526 Fax: 208-788-3041 Email: blainecountymail@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho Falls: 1515 E. Lincoln Road Idaho Falls, ID 83401-3653 Phone: 208-557-2500 Fax: 208-525-7268 Email: idahofallsmail@labor.idaho.gov Mini-Cassia: 127 W. 5th St. North Burley, ID 83318-3457 Phone: 208-678-5518 Fax: 208-678-1765 Email: minicassiamail@labor.idaho.gov Rexburg: 1133 Stocks Ave. P.O. Box 158 Rexburg, ID 83440-0158 Phone: 208-557-2501 Fax: 208-356-0042 Email: rexburgmail@labor.idaho.gov Soda Springs: 95 E. Hooper Ave. #20 P.O. Box 576 Soda Springs, ID 83276 Phone: 208-236-6711 Email: sodaspringsmail@labor.idaho.gov

Magic Valley: 420 Falls Ave. Twin Falls, ID 83301 Phone: 208-735-2500 Fax: 208-736-3007 Email: magicvalleymail@labor.idaho.gov Pocatello: 430 N. 5th Ave P.O. Box 4087 Pocatello, ID 83205-4087 Phone: 208-236-6710 Fax: 208-232-0865 Email: pocatellomail@labor.idaho.gov Salmon: 1301 Main St. Unit 1 Salmon, ID 83467 Phone: 208-756-2234 Fax: 208-756-4672 Email: salmonmail@labor.idaho.gov

Employment Advocacy Services

DisAbility Rights Idaho

DisAbility Rights Idaho helps people with disabilities protect their disability related rights.

Three of our programs help people with disabilities who work or want to work.

These programs are:

Protection and Advocacy for Social Security Beneficiaries (PABSS)

Helps social security beneficiaries who want to work

Client Assistance Program (CAP)

Helps people receive services from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR),

Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI) and Independent Living

Centers (ILC)

Work Incentives and Benefits Planning Assistance

Helps beneficiaries of Social Security make informed choices about work. Website:

http://www.disabilityrightsidaho.org

Who Can Get Employment Advocacy Services?

Persons with Disabilities who work or want to work.

Our Services

Information and Referral

Suggestions for solving disability related problems

Information about laws, rules and policies

Record and document reviews

Help with SSDI/SSI problems caused by work income

PASS Plan development

Assistance clarifying issues with agency personnel

Representation at meetings

Expert training on disability related issues

DisAbility Rights Idaho can also help with other disability related issues.

Call DisAbility Rights Idaho to learn more

1-866-262-3462

Disclosure Decisions

TO GET THE JOB Every individual with a disability must choose whether to disclose (share) his or her disability with an employer. Primary factors to consider include whether accommodations will be needed on the job or whether a disability is visible or hidden. Other aspects related to the employer and the company may also influence your decision. Follow this disclosure decision guide to determine what will work best for you. Remember, if you choose to disclose your disability, you are protected from discrimination by federal laws.

First, identify a NEED for disclosure, such as determining accessibility, necessary accommodations, or potential job match. Consider your answers to questions in Chart 1 and decide if you have a reason to disclose.

If you decide that disclosure will help you be successful, look at the pros and cons of WHEN you disclose in Chart 2. Then, follow the general guidelines in Chart 3 to decide HOW to disclose.

Effective disclosure can establish a positive working relationship with your employer. Practicing with a close friend, family member, or career counselor can help to increase your comfort level and skills.

Three Steps to Disclosing a Disability

3. Choose HOW to Disclose

2. Decide WHEN to Disclose

1. Determine NEED for Disclosure

Virginia Commonwealth University

2. Decide WHEN to Disclose: Consider Pros and Cons

When Potential Gains Potential Setbacks

In a cover letter Advance time to prepare positive written disclosure and to tailor your abilities to duties of job description.

Employer's preconceptions may hinder opportunity for an interview. Unable to read employer’s body language and mood.

In a resume or on a job application

Establishes "up front" relationship and communication.

Employer may have stereotypes about disa- bilities and may not offer you an interview.

When employer calls for an interview

Establishes open communication and gives an employer time to review Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 compliance information.

May not get serious consideration during interview.

Before the interview

Shows respect to employer, gives employer advance notice to secure any accommodations that may be needed during the interview, and time to research proper etiquette or refresh knowledge on ADA.

Employer has advance time to yield to his or her stereotypes about disabilities.

During the interview

Opportunity to read employer body language, to time the disclosure, and to disclose in a brief, positive manner.

Employer may feel uneasy and ill prepared to respond with appropriate and legal questions.

After the job offer May have legal recourse if disclosing disability negatively affects the hiring decision. There is time to get accommodations in place before the job starts. Positive relationship has already been established with employer.

Employer may feel that you have been dishonest in the application process, which may erode trust.

After the job begins

Gives opportunity to establish credibility before disclosure. Gives freedom to talk with co-workers about disability related issues.

May take time to secure requested accom- modations. Employer may believe you have not been honest which may negatively affect your relationship.

When performance difficulties arise

Difficulties may not arise (i.e. you may never need to disclose).

Employer may have difficulty changing his or her perceptions of your work performance, feel betrayed or wonder why you waited so long.

Never Disability information is kept private. Not protected from discrimination under the ADA.

1. Determine NEED for Disclosure: Gather all the Facts

Consider the questions below. "Yes" answers may indicate a need for or benefit of disclosure. "No" answers may indicate a need for more preparation or limited benefit of disclosure.

Area Questions Circle Answer

Company • Do I have background information about the company? • Does the company, senior management, or owner welcome and value diversity? • Has the company participated in any disability related recruitment programs? • Is there a company policy on hiring individuals with disabilities? • Does the company offer any internship programs? • Is pre-employment testing required? What is the medium for testing?

Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No

Job Position

• Have I requested a detailed job description for the position? • Do I know what are the essential functions and expectations of the job? • Can I talk with an employee who is currently in this position or in a similar one? • Will my compensatory strategies (e.g., use of adaptive software or assistive

technology) change the traditional way of getting the job done? • Will I need accommodations for the application process, interview process, or at

the worksite?

Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No

Yes / No Yes / No

Employer

• Does the supervisor use a flexible and personal management style? • Does the employer have experience in managing differences or diversity? • Does the employer focus on essential, rather then marginal functions? • Has the employer had positive experiences hiring individuals with disabilities? • Can I provide the employer with resource information about the Americans with

Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and my specific accommodation needs?

Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No

Yes / No

Myself

• Am I familiar with the protections provided by the ADA? • Am I comfortable with my disability? • Am I aware of my strengths and functional limitations? • Will I need potential medical assistance? • Have I explored technology or strategies to compensate for my limitations? • Have I previously used accommodations at a work-site? • Have I practiced disclosure with a family member, close friend, or career professional?

Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No

Need More Information?

About company and position:

• University career centers • Human resource departments • Professional associations • Local chambers of commerce • Company specific websites • Informational interviews

About potential accommodations:

• Job Accommodations Network www.jan.wvu.edu

• Idaho Assistive Technology Project http://www.idahoat.org/Home.aspx

• ABLEDATA -- www.abledata.com

3. Choose HOW to Disclose: General Guidelines

How Examples

Stress current involvement in a positive activity that shows your ability to manage your disability.

Resume -- Member of the American Blind Skiing Foundation

Be optimistic; focus on your abilities and job qualifications.

Cover Letter -- As an individual with a life long physical and speech disability, I learned early on to focus on my intellectual abilities and to develop strengths within my limits. For example, I received my first computer when I was 5 years old and learned to operate it independ- ently. Today I am proficient in many software applications, operating systems, and system troubleshooting.

Give the employer information on what he or she needs to do or provide regarding communication, directions, or supervision.

Telephone Call Prior to the Interview -- "I am calling to confirm my interview scheduled at your company in 2 days. Could you please tell me where to find your office's accessible entrance?"

Educate the employer by articulating or demon- strating how you can perform the essential functions of the job. Have resource information available for the employer.

During the Interview -- Have you ever heard of a screen reader? I have a learning disability and have difficulty reading in the traditional way. My screen reader, which reads electronic information aloud using a computerized voice, has enabled me to succeed at college and I know it will be useful on this job. "

Explain the benefits of your disability regarding your personal growth or perseverance.

During the Interview -- "Through my disability, I have learned the value of connecting with professionals. I can be resourceful and creative to get the job done."

Face employer concerns by talking about your compensatory strategies or accommodation solutions.

During the Interview -- "You may be wondering how I can type letters with my physical disability. I have a great software program that allows the computer to type as I speak words. It can be loaded on most computers. I would be happy to show it to you sometime."

Use general, functional terms to briefly explain the impact of your disability on the job; avoid technical, medical diagnoses.

After the Job Offer -- "During the interview, you explained that work was verbally assigned at a staff meeting. I find that I work best when instructions are both written and verbal. I have a disability that makes processing verbal information a challenge. Could you accommodate me in this way?”

In a private setting, remind your employer about your right to confidentiality.

After the Job is Accepted -- After disclosing your disability in your employer's office: "Thank you in advance for keeping this information confidential."

Frame the disclosure around how you work best. A Few Weeks on the Job -- "I have noticed that I am having a difficult time completing my work assignments. I have a medical condition that requires frequent breaks in order to do my work. Would you allow me to work later to enable me to take more breaks? I always get the job done when I manage my schedule in this way."

Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Education and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is an equal opportunity/affirma- tive action institution providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orien- tation, veteran's status, political affiliation or disability. Funding for this activity is provided by a grant (#H324R020015) from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

List the reasons why you

NEED to disclose.

1

I will disclose

WHEN will you

2 disclose your

disability?

List the reasons for choosing

this time.

2

OPENING

DOORS

HOW will you

3 disclose your

disability?

Write a few phrases telling your

employer about your disability.

3 3

Practice your

disclosure with

another person.

NO I will not disclose

For each new job, review the information in

this brochure to determine whether or

not to disclose.

List the reasons why you choose not to

disclose.

Disclosure

Decision

Worksheet

Y E S

2

Moving On: Idaho Transition Binder 2013

Request for Accommodations

Example Letter to Employer

Date of Letter Your name Your address Employer's name Employer’s address Dear (e.g. Supervisor, Manager, Human Resources, Personnel):

Content to consider in body of letter:

Identify yourself as a person with a disability

State that you are requesting accommodations under the ADA

Identify your specific problematic job tasks

List your accommodation ideas

Ask for your employer's accommodation ideas

Refer to attached medical documentation if appropriate*

Ask that your employer respond to your request in a reasonable amount of time Sincerely, Your signature Your printed name Cc: to appropriate individuals (send copies to others)

* You may want to attach medical information to your letter to help establish that you are a person with a disability and to document the need for accommodation.

Moving On: Idaho Transition Binder 2013